Under-girded in Prayer

A nation that is vigilant has Christians who take to heart 1 Timothy 2:1-2, “I urge, then, first of all, that request, prayers, intersession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” The Apostle Paul used the word “urge” (parakaleo) meaning to exhort with urgency. He wrote “first of all” meaning that prayer for those in leadership is of primary importance in the church, a very essential part of public worship.

Christians are to pray for those in leadership positions. Republicans are to be praying for Democrats and democrats are to be praying for Republicans. The heart of God is not for Republicans to be praying for more Republicans and Democrats praying for more Democrats, but that Christians pray for Statesmen who have the heart of prayer that our Founding Fathers had.

When this nation has been attacked, in great danger or in times of making key choices about the direction of her future, the Lord has raised up men of faith in Christ who were men of prayer. A vigilant nation desires leaders like George Washington who prayed, “Bless O lord the whole race of mankind, and let the world be filled with the knowledge of Thee and Thy Son, Jesus Christ.” Leaders like Abraham Lincoln who served our nation in its bloodiest war, his prayer, “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go to and my own wisdom… seemed insufficient for the day.”

The Pentecostal Evangel ran the story of Eliza Gurney whom had Holy Spirit compassion for President Lincoln. She had long prayed for the opportunity to meet President Lincoln and pray with him personally. In October 1862 the Lord brought that visit about. This prayer opportunity was granted because her heart’s desire was not to correct or give the President advice, but only to pray for him. This prayer visit was recorded in Lincoln’s personal papers. Under-gird Our Leaders in Prayer!